Clearing thermal paste

iviv · 22 May 2011 at 14:31

Household things please! Brother's back from Uni for the summer, decided I'd give him my old PC. I've got all the parts, but the CPU and stock heatsink still have old thermal paste on them. I've got some AS5 to put back on it, but don't have any thermal paste remover. So, what's the best household material I'd be likely to have around that can remove it?
Thanks

iviv · 22 May 2011 at 14:57

Unfortunately I dont' have any record cleaner or nail varnish. Just tried calling up my local Boots, they have some of those wipes which have 70% isopropyl alcohol, but that's the best they had. Worth buying and using, or not high enough proof?

A certain online electronics retailer is also in the area, but they're selling a 500ml thing for £10 which is a little too much for this.

iviv · 22 May 2011 at 15:13

Note you said household items not what to go out and buy lol

That was the original plan, but I want the system up and running today, and realised that I may not have anything here, in which case I want to get out before all the stores close.

As for pharmacists, lloyds pharmacy is closed, but I'm pretty sure Morrisons has a pharmacy, are they likely to have any?
Edit: Nope, they don't, and none at Tesco either

iviv · 22 May 2011 at 15:27

Just found:

Tape Head and Disc Drive Cleaner
Removes dirt, dust and tape oxides from audio and video recording heads
Suitable for use on computer disc drives
Contains IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol) for quick and effective cleaning
Safe on plastic and rubber
Supplied in a 75ml aerosol can

Contains IPA, though doesn't say how much. Or I also found:

Electronic Solvent Cleaner
Ideal for use on video and audio heads
Evaporates in seconds
Removes flux, grease, oil and other common contaminants
Leaves no residue
Safe for use on most surfaces and materials
Supplied in a 200ml can .

Would either of those do the job? Both less than £4, too.